Welcome to real talk for movement ministers of all genres! We will discuss the good, the bad, and yes- the ugly of all things dance ministry. We will also highlight examples visually as the occasion merits. Enjoy!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

An Open and Shut Case

Although we dance for the Lord and are faithful to the ministry He has entrusted us with, we must realize that we must keep the doors closed to temptation. Many dance groups today are comprised of men and women who work closely together on a regular basis. It may seem as though there are seasons that we spend more time with our dance ministry members than our own families. As a result, we can become very close-knit. This can also present a dangerous open door if not monitored on a regular basis.

When working with a group of people consistently, we experience each others joys, disappointments, triumphs, and tragedies. Often what can become a moment of compassion can evolve into misplaced passion if we do not exercise self-control. Waiting on the Lord before leaping into relationships will give us time to understand the true purpose for our connection with one another.

Groups that contain both genders must be careful when traveling to ministry events. We must also exercise good judgment when selecting attire to wear to rehearsals, considering one another's weaknesses. Changing into ministry garments must be planned wisely when sufficient dressing room space is not available. Although the Lord may bring people together to His glory through meeting in a ministry, we must have the proper boundaries in place to protect ourselves and the ministry from falling into sin.

Psalm 50:23 (NKJV)Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 (NKJV)For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.

Ephesians 4:21-24 (NKJV)If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NKJV)Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”